Tasteless (Emily Higgins)

Two movies about exploitation and rising up against it that serve as important critiques of modern day society — it's Avatar vs The Purge: Election Year.

If you want quirky women, look no further than this episode where I debate the Manic Pixie Dream Girl title given to Kirsten Dunst and her red hat in Elizabethtown. I also complain about Amelie sticking her hand in things and grinning from under her bangs. I miss Orlando Bloom.

Two heist movies featuring people who have hidden motives and Ben Affleck — it's The Town vs Reindeer Games.

Two movies about the nuance of humanity and what separates us from the machines — it's Robocop vs Chopping Mall.

Two movies about existence and personal responsibility — it's Being John Malkovich vs The Discovery. 

• 00:47 Being John Malkovich
• 6:32 The Discovery
• 15:42 What They Share
• 27:37 What The Discovery Does Better

Listen to my appearance on We Watched A Thing for more Malkovich: www.wewatchedathing.com/episodes/malkovich

This week's movies are both about a shy, down on their luck person who finds an inner strength within a group of like-minded individuals and comes out of their shell — it's Fight Club vs Coyote Ugly. Important takeaways: I teared up 5+ times while re-watching Coyote Ugly and Fight Club would be a better movie if it was from Helena Bonham Carter's point of view. 

Two satires about class and equality — it's Triangle Of Sadness vs. Corporate Animals.

I’m talking about 2 whodunit movies that are full of twists, crime, and plenty of misdirection — it's The Usual Suspects vs Wild Things: Foursome.

I LOVE CRUEL INTENTIONS.

I had to get that out there first. I love it so much. This episode of Tasteless focuses on high school megalomaniacs who manipulate everyone around them: Ferris Bueller in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Kathryn Merteuil in Cruel Intentions.

I think Ferris is a full on monster, maybe related to my difficult negative emotions surrounding Matthew Broderick, and I think Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kathryn is one of the all time best characters committed to film.

I get romantic this week discussing 2 movies about love & freedom with characters torn between a life of what they've been told they should want and what they actually want — it's The Notebook vs Disobedience.

And instead of the word "characters" I could just say "Rachel McAdams is torn" because she is in both films facing similar dilemmas. Disobedience is the grown-up version of The Notebook, the less idyllic, more realistic depiction of a couple that is meant to be.

Ocean's 8 is everything I could have ever wanted in a film. It's a perfect expansion of Ocean's Eleven and the Ocean's Universe (which I believe will one day rival the MCU). While I loved Ocean's Eleven, Ocean's 8 is now my favorite in the franchise. Find out how they compare in this episode, where I also get the chance to express my deep admiration for Sandra Bullock, America's Sweetheart.

Two movies about being punished for sins you did not commit and also the power of myth — it's A Nightmare on Elm Street vs Urban Legend.

P.S. Here's the fantastic A Nightmare on Elm Street Oral History from Vulture that I reference during the episode! 

Two movies about the interior lives of athletes and the obligation we feel to family — it’s The Fighter vs Bend It Like Beckham.

Two cautionary tales about fame that explore the sacrifice of personal identity for public persona and how fame changes people in its orbit, not just the famous — it's Elvis vs Vox Lux. 

We're closing out 2021 and leading into Tasteless episode 200 with a 3 day spectacular — alternate universe versions of Tasteless from some of my very favorite people.

For Day 3, Sam of Movie Reviews in 20 Qs compares two films about grown men dressing as animals and trying to make the world a better place — it's Batman Begins vs Death to Smoochy.

Sam's American/Emily accent on "the plot" is something he nailed with his last hostile takeover of this show about Punisher: War Zone, and I've thought about it ever since. He doesn't agree with anything I say and yet, he is the perfect host for Tasteless and is always a delight (when he's not decrying Sandra Bullock). P.S. Read Sam's incredible novel, Compliance.

Listen to Movie Reviews in 20 Qs wherever you get podcast: https://mritqs.podbean.com/

Get your copy of Compliance: www.amazon.com/Compliance-Sam-Hurley/dp/0473514559/

Two movies that explore inevitability and what hand we have in our future - it’s Requiem for a Dream vs Final Destination.

Foxcatcher and Bring It On are about athletes, power, and paranoia. Wrestling and cheerleading are more similar than you may think! And Big Red is the John du Pont of teen films. 

Two movies about the stagnation of grief and the danger of hope — it's The Batman vs Birth.

Two movies featuring complicated relationships with dysfunctional mentors and familial duty that propels our heroes forward — it's True Grit vs Seed of Chucky. 

Marguerite Moreau (The Mighty Ducks, Wet Hot American Summer, The Birch) gets into all the lives she's been able to live on-screen, from hockey player to camp counselor to Manson girl. Plus, she has a perfect answer for her gender-swapped casting dream role and we discuss some of our favorite local record stores - basically a dream come true.

Follow Marguerite on Instagram @MargueriteMoreau and on Twitter @MargueriteMorea.

And book a Cameo from her, I booked one and was not disappointed! www.cameo.com/margueritemoreau

Two ensemble mysteries where solving the case is less important than the finding of facts — it's Clue vs Death on the Nile.

Two biopics about troubled women with star power and polarizing personalities — it’s Judy vs Gia.

Two movies about kids dealing with adult themes via fantasy — it's Pan's Labyrinth vs A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.

Two movies about manipulating those around you and looking for thrills — it's Ratatouille vs Basic Instinct 2.

Time Codes:

0:55 Ratatouille
6:16 Basic Instinct 2
14:12 Shared Themes
20:50 What Basic Instinct 2 Did Better Than Ratatouille

Hear me rave over the original Basic Instinct as well in the episode Opposites Attract: When Harry Met Sally vs Basic Instinct: www.tastelesspod.com/episodes/2019/2/19/opposites-attract-when-harry-met-sally-vs-basic-instinct

Celebrate Thanksgiving with families that stick together — it's Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri vs Addams Family Values.

Two movies about women who have always seen themselves a certain way but who are changed for the better after suffering through trickery and misunderstanding with their love interests — it's 10 Things I Hate About You vs 27 Dresses.

I'm dipping my toe into the world of sports this week as I cover 2 movies where an underdog must compete against the best in his field after some unorthodox training and a surprising love connection — it's Rocky vs Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

This week we explore 2 selfish authors who weave a web of deceit rife with dark humor — it's Can You Ever Forgive Me? vs Young Adult.

Two movies about belief, not belonging, and mortality — it's The Witch vs The Witches. 

Two movies featuring iconic romances and women who fight for what they want — it's Gone With The Wind vs Look Who's Talking.

Two movies about what it means to survive — it's I Am Legend vs Z for Zachariah.

I have watched many an erotic thriller in my day, so I thought it fitting we talk about one of the first versus one of the best — it’s Fatal Attraction vs Obsessed.

Was Michael Douglas a sex symbol? Why was everyone in Fatal Attraction so into spaghetti? Why haven’t you all watched Obsessed?! Idris Elba is a hot rich guy who sends his wife, Beyoncé, flowers every week, while Ali Larter munches on strawberries and wears a trench coat. The choice between these two films is clear.

Two horror movies about struggling with motherhood and coming together through shared trauma —  it’s The Babadook vs The Ring Two.

Easy A and The Princess Diaries are two coming-of-age movies about young women in high school who get makeovers, stop being invisible, and have to figure out who they really are.

Anne Hathaway is a comedic gift, Mandy Moore's Wild Hope is my favorite album of all time, and none of us appreciated the friendship of Heather Matarazzo as much as we should have.

This week I discuss two movies about keeping up appearances to get what you want and the very complicated relationships that make it difficult to do so ⁠— it's American Hustle vs America's Sweethearts.

Two movies where regular people who are in a bit of a rut tap into a new side of themselves in the name of self-preservation — it's Shaun of the Dead vs Keeping Up with the Joneses.

In honor of Gay Pride Month, we’ve got 2 movies about couples that expand each other’s world views, have ridiculous chemistry, and of course fall in love despite what their family and friends think — it’s Dirty Dancing vs D.E.B.S.

Two stories of unlikely allies in films that bank on the stars' successes outside of the film — it's Red Notice vs Mega Python vs Gatoroid.

Two movies about groups stuck in one spot, dealing with an inevitable end — it's The Hateful Eight vs It's a Disaster. 

Two movies about family mysteries with an interesting exploration of gender — it's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) vs The Parent Trap (1998). 

This week’s comparison features two movies that reflect on the state of society and free will - it’s A Clockwork Orange vs The Stepford Wives (2004). Stanley Kubrick’s 80 hour so-called masterpiece is a dark future world of ultraviolence, while The Stepford Wives is a hilarious satire that follows Nicole Kidman’s entry into an idyllic town straight out of Leave It To Beaver. These movies are shockingly similar in how they deal with conformity, control, and what it means to be a human.

Our very motivational episode this week features two people at the lowest points in their lives who turn things around for themselves by rallying groups that feel underappreciated — it’s Office Space vs The House Bunny.

Two movies where heroes contend with their destiny and embrace faith — it's Dune vs Sex and the City.

Two coming-of-age movies where teen girls struggle over who they are vs who they think they should be — it's Ghost World vs Whip It.

A face-off between two movies where a mysterious outsider with a set of wheels becomes involved in local struggles on behalf of a woman he loves ⁠— it’s Drive vs Grease 2.

Two movies where the villain is shrouded, where decency must triumph over convenience and greed — it's Jaws vs Bombshell.

In one of my most important comparisons, I discuss forbidden love and ignoring society's judgments in The Shape of Water and Shallow Hal. The Shape of Water is the Amélie of the sea, NOT INTERESTED. However, I AM interested in Gwyneth Paltrow and I need her to come fix my life. All hail Goop.

In honor of Halloween, I’m talking about two groups of PG Disney witches — it’s Hocus Pocus vs Halloweentown. I’m hoping all the Halloweentown fans come out of the woodwork to talk to me about Debbie Reynolds, Judith Hoag’s denim jacket, and why we can all still remember Sophie’s spell. I also defend Sarah Jessica Parker and explain why Vinessa Shaw is the best part of Hocus Pocus.

Unleash the beast with the titular characters of An American Werewolf in London and Jennifer's Body. Diablo Cody can do no wrong, Megan Fox needs a comeback, and I own 3 copies of Jennifer's Body so I'm sure you can guess which movie I prefer.

In the first episode of Tasteless, Emily breaks down the types of terrible movies she loves and explains why Showgirls is a better film than La La Land. 

Two movies about dysfunctional families exploring the possibility of redemption — it's The Royal Tenenbaums vs The Killing of a Sacred Deer.

This is the 200th official episode of Tasteless, so I’m bringing it back to where the show began. I’ve done a brand new episode on the comparison that inspired me to start a podcast, with all the care and dedication required for a supposedly tasteless film that looms so large.

That's right, it's two movies about following your dreams and the ripple effect that has on who you become — it’s La La Land vs Showgirls.

I delve into the brilliant physicality of Elizabeth Berkley’s performance as Nomi Malone and why Showgirls deserves a reappraisal. 

Time Codes:

03:16 La La Land

18:26 Showgirls

33:31 Shared themes

42:54 What Showgirls does better

These movies feature rogue heroes from all walks of life teaming up in pursuit of a common goal, and the supposed side characters become the best part of the film ⁠— it’s Kick-Ass vs Blade: Trinity.

In the wake of all the new Marvel films and series announced at San Diego Comic-Con, and a new iteration of Blade with Mahershala Ali, it seemed like a good time to delve back into the fringes of the super hero genre, the Marvel super heroes who don’t get the due of a Captain America or an Iron Man.

This week delves into two cautionary tales about being careful what you wish for as precocious kids wish to be adults in Big and 13 Going on 30. Jennifer Garner is pure sunshine and Tom Hanks is fine too. 

Two deeply personal films about betrayal and keeping up appearances — it’s Marriage Story vs Good On Paper.

This week, I'm discussing 2 equally quotable comedies about friendship and being yourself — it's Wayne's World vs Romy and Michele's High School Reunion.

Long live Lisa Luder!

Two movies about redemption, where lost individuals must decide to change themselves for the better — it's Groundhog Day vs Laggies.

Two movies based on deceit, with protagonists who are often overlooked and who have complicated maternal relationships — it's Hustlers vs Second Act.

Two tales of communities that aren't quite right but provide a sense of belonging as our characters' grips on reality start to fade — it's Midsommar vs The Endless.

Two movies about manipulation and imitation — it's The Talented Mr. Ripley vs Passion.

00:55 The Talented Mr. Ripley

08:30 Passion

18:05 Shared Themes

28:15 What Passion Does Better

Two movies about the important balance of how we feel about ourselves and others, and learning to accept people's differences — it's Girl, Interrupted vs Stuart Little.

Two movies where women are haunted by memories of the past and domineering men — it's Rebecca (1940) vs Mom's Got a Date with a Vampire. Similar themes for two very different age groups.

One of the most important episodes of Tasteless yet, this week I’m discussing 2 movies about the wilderness, justice, and a parent trying to do right by their kid by facing a villain with no honor — it’s The Revenant vs Troop Beverly Hills.

"In the wilderness of life, we can never be too prepared" — Phyllis Nefler

Two movies about the real dangers being closer than you might think — it's The Shining vs Colossal.

00:48 The Shining

11:19 Colossal

18:32 Similarities

28:16 What Colossal does better

Two movies about masculinity and wealth — it's Casino Royale vs The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas.

Two movies about ego, control, and expectation — it's Weird Science vs Deadly Friend.

Two movies about corporate interests deciding individuals' fates and the pressure of fame — it's Space Jam vs Rollerball.

Two darkly humorous movies about living life outside the bounds of polite society and overcoming dependencies - it's Trainspotting vs Ass Backwards.

TIME CODES:

01:06 Trainspotting

09:29 Ass Backwards

17:09 Similarities

27:45 What Ass Backwards did better

Two movies about complicated maternal relationships and the opportunities that youth affords — it's Lady Bird vs Sleepwalkers.

Two movies where a serious kid outgrows their mentor and has to broaden their world perspective beyond the black and white they've been living in — it's Jojo Rabbit vs Harriet the Spy. 

I get very passionate this week discussing 2 movies where plagues overtake the earth, revealing the truth of humanity, both the good and the bad — it’s 28 Days Later vs Contagion.

Two movies where confused protagonists are haunted by guilt and nothing is as it seems — it's Shutter Island vs Soul Survivors. 

Two movies where a man is called back into service and links up with a knowledgeable woman to defeat an enemy he has special experience with — it's Blade Runner vs Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

Iliza Shlesinger (Good On Paper, Unveiled, Spenser Confidential) is a keen-eyed observer of life, and she beautifully showcases her worldview in her new hit film, Good On Paper. We chat about where the character of Andrea diverges from Iliza herself, how close she is to becoming a cult leader, and why her story has connected with so many people.

Watch Good On Paper on Netflix | See Iliza’s stand-up live in a city near you | Follow Iliza on Instagram | Listen to her podcast, Ask Iliza Anything

Two movies about how we see ourselves and others plus the Hollywood dream —it’s Mulholland Drive vs Freaky Friday. 

I’m coming for The Dude sympathizers in this week’s episode about movies featuring a hapless bystander who becomes embroiled in someone else’s evil plots — it’s The Big Lebowski vs Zoolander.

Two PG live action/animated hybrids with heroes who have been struggling in life until they get roped into a world of cartoons and capers — it's Who Framed Roger Rabbit vs Looney Tunes: Back in Action. 

Two movies about non-traditional families and changing how people view you (and ultimately how you view yourself) — it's Terminator 2: Judgment Day vs Family.

Two movies about a dogged pursuit of scientific discovery and rag tag groups of likeminded people — it's Oppenheimer vs Twister.

This week, I discuss two movies where looks are deceiving and that led me to think about what makes us who we are — it's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button vs The Assignment.

Two movies about waking up and saving yourself — it's Kill Bill: Volume 1 vs Happy Death Day.

Two films about feeling trapped and the resulting rage — it's Eastern Promises vs. Fresh Kills.

Time Codes:

1:03 Eastern Promises

6:12 Fresh Kills

21:08 Similar Themes: Feeling Trapped

26:13 Similar Themes: Impotent Rage

29:59 What Fresh Kills Does Better: Heroes and Villains

33:18 What Fresh Kills Does Better: Extra Ordinary

I’ve got a supersized super hero episode for you this week! 2 heroes who have isolated themselves after traumas they faced while being part of a team and who are saved from themselves because of their love for another person — it’s Logan vs Iron Man 3.

This week, I'm talking about two soulless killing machines in movies that explore the idea of fate — it's No Country for Old Men vs Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines. P.S. I announce during the episode that the very first guest on Strong Female Leads dropping FRIDAY on the Tasteless feed is none other than Kristanna Loken, the T-X herself! So stay tuned and make sure you're subscribed.

Two movies that are shockingly similar in their theme of parents willing to go to any lengths for their children are Mrs. Doubtfire and Striptease. Spoiler alert, I’m going to convince you that you’re better off watching Striptease with your kids than Mrs. Doubtfire because Striptease has better morals.

Brooke Smith (Big Sky, The Silence of the Lambs, Grey's Anatomy) becomes my favorite character in every project she joins, and this episode felt like a breezy chat with a close friend. Brooke answered questions about the satisfaction of bringing a character like Merilee to life on Big Sky, her relationship with Darla the dog aka Precious, and I called dibs on hiring her as a therapist should she ever change career paths.

Follow Brooke on Instagram and Twitter | Catch up on Big Sky on Hulu or ABC | Watch a trailer for Them coming to Amazon April 9th

Two movies about motherhood and not being believed — it's Aliens vs Halloween H20: 20 Years Later.

Listen to my previous conversation with H20 star Jodi Lyn O'Keefe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jodi-lyn-okeefe-strong-female-leads/id1345840002?i=1000515448015

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" could really sum up Tasteless as a whole. This episode, I practice my Minnesota accent, complain about children, and reminisce over Kirstie Alley while defending the brilliance of Drop Dead Gorgeous over the mediocrity of Little Miss Sunshine.

Get into the holiday spirit with two movies about being out of touch with reality and bettering yourself — it's Scrooged vs Bewitched.

We've reached the 50th episode of Tasteless! To honor this momentous occasion, I'm discussing 2 movies about a rock solid team that becomes involved with a variety of shenanigans to achieve their overall goal of pleasing their boss — it's Pulp Fiction vs Charlie's Angels (2000).

Two sports movies about finding yourself — it's Caddyshack vs Golden Arm.

Kristanna Loken (Terminator 3, Painkiller Jane, Body of Deceit) joined me on the very first episode of Strong Female Leads. She is not only a phenomenal actress, but a truly delightful person. We discussed the hidden whimsy of thrillers, her T3 mime skills, and not taking yourself too seriously.

Shop her mall (or create your own!): KristannaLoken.com

Keep up with Trio Entertainment: trio-entertainment.com

Follow Kristanna on Instagram at @ksloken and on Twitter at @lokenkristanna to keep up-to-date with her new projects.

We're venturing into a more interesting side of relationships with 2 movies where technology becomes intertwined with love and where our protagonists must decide whether to meddle with their romantic fates — it's Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind vs TiMER.

Is pitting Spotlight against Never Been Kissed totally inappropriate? Maybe, but the mystery of where Leelee Sobieski has been hiding is more fascinating to me than 99% of Spotlight.

Two movies where people become the sort of hero they’ve long admired, filling the shoes of those who have come before to save lives from greedy imperialists, and finding a support system along the way — it's Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope vs Spy.

Two movies that explore the meaning of justice and how our preconceived notions affect that justice being served — it's 12 Angry Men vs I Know What You Did Last Summer.

Two movies about friendship and being changed by your travels — it's The Deer Hunter vs The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants.

Two movies about betrayal and inevitability — it's House of Gucci vs The Room. Yes, that The Room.

Two movies about communities coming together and the burden of loneliness — it’s It’s A Wonderful Life vs. Hot Frosty.